Supportive
communication “seeks to preserve or enhance a positive relationship between you
and another person.” (Whetten, 2011) There are a number of ways that Whetten
describes to preserve and improve communication while at the same time getting
a point across that if not done carefully, could come off as hostile and
negative. Two ways that I can integrate supportive communication within my
present position is thru better congruence and more validating.
Congruence
is one of the ways I can better improve my own communication. Congruence can be
defined as matching when is said to what it portrayed. I have made pretty
drastic mistakes in the past thru my work and when confronted by my superiors,
I usually give off a demeanor of someone that doesn't care. The problem is I
don’t know how to properly express my own concerns or feelings or even how to
say sorry. This leaves a disconnect with how I feel about something and what is
being portrayed. One way to improve upon this is by trying to express my
concerns, although I do fear that it will seem artificial and further provide
an in-congruence with my feelings and what is interpreted. Practice makes
perfect?
Another
way to better provide supportive communication is thru validating the presence
of others. Validation can be defined as a “willingness of a person to
communicate an understanding that the other party may possess additional data
and other alternatives that may make significant contributions both to the
problem solution and to the relationship.” (Whetten, 2011) I can use this in my own life and
position by asking my subordinates what I think about decisions that I make.
This will give them the opportunity to express what they think and allows me to
be more open to better solutions.
Both
congruence and validating are two ways to improve upon supportive
communication. While there are many ways that I can improve upon myself, these
are just two examples on what I could be doing now. Not only do I think this is
great advice to becoming a better leader, but I think it’s great advice to a
better life.
References
Whetten, D. (2011). Developing Management Skills.
New Jersey: Pearson.
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